James Burghardt
Family
Rosaceae
Botanical Name
Prunus subhirtella 'Autumnalis Rosea'
Plant Common Name
Higan Cherry, Pink Autumn-Flowering Higan Cherry
General Description
The pink-flowered autumn Higan cherry, 'Autumnalis Rosea', is regarded for its two seasons of bloom. A heavy show of pink flowers first appears in mid-spring, and a lesser, but longer, show of blossoms dot the branches in autumn. This medium-sized deciduous flowering tree originates from Japan and develops a wide, spreading growth habit. It is quite tough, tolerating cold better than other common flowering cherries as well as tough, clay-rich soils.
In early spring, the bare branches become filled with many double pink flowers. As the flowers wane, new leaves emerge. The ovate, tapered leaves are medium to deep green and turn burnished shades of bronze and gold in fall. Fruit production is sparse at best and the small black cherries are inconspicuous. In the fall, a lighter display of the same double pink flowers dot the leafy canopy from early fall to early winter, depending on the frost date. The smooth, chocolate brown bark offers visual appeal to the winter landscape.
Grow 'Autumnalis Rosea' in full to partial sun and average to fertile soil that is slightly acid to neutral. Higan cherries are surprisingly tolerant of summer heat, moderate drought, and clay-rich soils. It is also longer lived than many other ornamental cherries. Plant it as a specimen tree in an open lawn. It makes a nice compliment to mixed borders alive with spring bulbs as well as fall-blooming azaleas, ornamental grasses and composites.
This selection is like Prunus subhirtella 'Autumnalis' in all aspects other than the flowers. Autumn Higan cherry has white flowers with pink edges rather than solid pink flowers.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 6
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 8
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Sunset Zone
2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
20'-35' / 6.1m - 10.7m
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Width
18'-32' / 5.5m - 9.8m
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring, Fall, Late Fall, Early Winter
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Native To
Japan
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam
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Tolerances
Drought, Soil Compaction
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Spreading
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Exfoliating
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Usage
Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Shade Trees, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
Yes
